Thailand ex-police chief accused of gambling corruption

One-time Thailand national police chief Torsak Sukvimol, also known as “Big Tor”, has been accused of money laundering linked to an online gambling network known as “BNK Master”, the Bangkok Post reported yesterday (17 December).

Torsak’s former deputy police chief and longtime rival Surachate Hakparn, aka “Big Joke”, faces similar allegations, but no official charges.

Allegations first surfaced in 2023

The probe, announced 16 December, followed months of speculation about misconduct by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and infighting among those at the highest level.

Last year, both Torsak and Surachate were in the running to claim the national chief job. Surachate fell out of favour following accusations of money laundering in association with online gambling, which is illegal in Thailand.

In September 2023, according to the Associated Press, police raided Surachate’s Bangkok home, looking for evidence. Although the case did not proceed, Surachate lost the top job to Torsak; he later claimed the raid, dubbed Operation Cleaning Day, was part of a smear campaign.

In March, former prime minister Srettha Thavisin suspended Torsak and Surachate and transferred them to inactive duty. He then set up a special committee to review growing tensions within the RTP. Both men were eventually reinstated. In October Torsak left office and was replaced by Kitrat Panphet, the choice of current prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The NACC believes it has sufficient evidence to proceed with the corruption case against Torsak, but needs more before it can formally charge Surachate.

Srettha cleared of wrongdoing in appointment

In related news, the NACC has cleared Srettha of any wrongdoing in his appointment of Torsak. Surachate accused the former prime minister of breaching the RTP Act by choosing Big Tor over Big Joke.

According to The Thaiger, NACC spokesperson Saroj Phuengramphan confirmed that the commission “found no evidence of misconduct or undue influence in the selection process”.

Srettha was ousted in August after appointing a cabinet member who had once done time in prison. The appointee, Pichit Chuenban, was convicted of the attempted bribery of Supreme Court officials.